How To Use A Jigsaw
Jigsaw is a tool dedicated to cutting various curves, allowing DIY enthusiasts and professionals to carry out craft projects or other woodworking tasks that require curves. And with the correct blade installed, jigsaw can cut a variety of materials, such as wood, metal and ceramic tiles.
Compared with other woodworking tools, jigsaw is relatively cheap, you can buy it from $30 to $150. If you only use it occasionally, then you may be able to use a cheaper model. This guide describes some tips on how to use jigsaw.
Table of Contents
Jigsaw basics
Some jigsaw models have both straight and orbital cutting actions. In the orbital action, the blade not only moves up and down but also moves forward, the cutting process is faster, but the smoothness is poor.
Most models are variable speed, you can control the speed of jigsaw saw blade movement by controlling the pressure on the trigger. The shoe is a metal part at the bottom, which is level with the cut surface.
The blades of jigsaw are divided into two types: T-shaped shank blades and U-shaped shank blades. T-shaped shank blades are the mainstream model. This kind of blade has a longer service life and is easy to remove.
The sharpness of a blade is measured in the number of teeth per inch (TPI). Higher TPI makes cutting smoother. Blades with lower TPI can cut faster and are suitable for roughing. Specially designed blades should be used when cutting materials such as metals, tiles, glass and plastics.
Most blades are carbon steel and can be used for general cutting. Special toothless blades can cut materials from leather to tiles.
Cut with jigsaw
Safety is a top priority when using any tool. Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from sawdust, use earmuffs to prevent your hearing damage, and use a dust mask to protect your lungs from disease. Everything is ready, we can start cutting.
Cutting from the edge
For cutting from the edge, first place the front end of the saw shoe firmly on the wood. The saw blade is close to but not touching the workpiece, then press the trigger and make the saw run at full speed. At this time, the blade enters the wood and moves slowly and steadily along the cutting line.
By using relief cuts to remove waste, prevent the saw blade from sticking to the narrow cutting line.
Internal cutting
Jigsaw only allows you to start from one edge of the cut surface instead of from the middle. So we have to drill a hole where we want to start cutting. This hole is for inserting the blade, so it must be larger than your saw blade. Then start the saw at maximum speed, tilt the saw blade and steadily insert the blade into this hole.
During the cutting process, keep the shoe level. Avoid putting any left and right pressure on the blade to prevent it from bending and creating unintentional bevels during cutting. After the cut is complete, release the trigger to stop the blade.
Some tips
- If you feel that the saw is a little kickback when cutting, usually your blade is too short or the teeth of the blade are too large, or you move the jigsaw too fast
- Masking tape can be used on the bottom of the saw shoe to protect the surface of the workpiece